Ella Ferguson has loved Alec Chamberlin since she was thirteen. In an age when children are expected to grow up quickly, Ella Ferguson has been forced to do just that. Sent from her family to live with her Aunt Grace, Ella has grown into a responsibly young lady. But she feels ill prepared to face the cruel hardships life throws in her path. Alec Chamberlin has his future confidently mapped out. So when his sister's best friend, Ella, seems to have suddenly grown into a beautiful young lady in desperate need of help, his plans are thrown for a loop. Will the two overcome their fears and uncertainties? Can heartache be replaced by hope?